ten days displays Fred again.. as euphoric yet introspective

His breakout release “Marea (We Lost Dancing)” released in the midst of the Covid lockdown perfectly encapsulated the feelings of millions - trapped inside and losing all sense of freedom and expression. Since then, the ethos that has carried through Fred’s creative output is to enjoy even the smallest moments in life. And although since Marea’s release Fred has played an undeniably euphoric sundown set on Glastonbury’s Other Stage in 2023, held residence at London’s Alexandra Palace for four nights last September and became the first dance headliner of Reading + Leeds Festival just a few weeks ago, his third album ten days tells of the more intimate moments that fell between the big, life changing career moments. A real tale of life as it happens.

Fred is more than used to being vulnerable on his records. His previous chronological albums Actual Life 1-3 and the collaborative effort with Brian Eno Secret Life are laden with tender moments and tales of anxieties, worries and internal struggles. However, ten days has a brand new way of being vulnerable, one that sways between euphoric highs and more introspective realisations. First single “adore you” featuring Obongjayar is crafted through a snippet of a song Obongjayar sings to his Mum and thanks to Fred’s artistic ear and the joyous beat it now possesses, it has become a real crowd pleaser which listeners can relate to friends, family and partners alike. The most stark case of vulnerability on the record however lays within “fear less” narrated by the irresistibly smooth sound of Sampha telling of how the right love can make you feel. Meanwhile “just stand there” featuring the tenderly spoken Northern Irish singer-songwriter SOAK, is boldly honest, spoken straight from thoughts over a steady climbing beat, with wonderfully down-to-earth lyrics such as “the first crunch of Tayto Cheese and Onion crisps”.

The swirling “places to be” featuring Anderson. Paak and CHIKA as well as the jangly “glow” accompanied by the more than knowledgeable dance heads of Duskus, Four Tet, Joy Anonymous and Skrillex both make for the more upbeat, dance specific moments on the record. The tracks that give you no excuse not to just dance and feel joy.

The key selling point of Fred’s charm is the euphoria his music brings. The unique production value of Fred’s releases leave for an unforgettable live experience, filled with raised arms and raised spirits no matter the setting or circumstance. Whether in an expanding field or enclosed within an auditorium, the lyrics cling to each life giving them all a different reason to dance. And although ten days shows a more subdued form of this euphoria, the personality and intricate storytelling has not faded.